Rawmarsh bus depot changes hands in services shake-up
ROTHERHAM’S Rawmarsh bus depot has changed hands and is now in public ownership as part of a scheme to take bus services out of financial control.
The move is part of a long-running plan to create a public service controlled by politicians, rather than private businesses in the years ahead.
That is a complex deal to complete and will see a gradual transfer, with Sheffield and Doncaster to get new fleets of buses ahead of Rotherham.
However, the purchase of the Rawmarsh depot, along with several others at different locations in the county, is an important piece in the jigsaw of that transfer.
It means all major bus depots are now in South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority ownership, though Rawmarsh will be leased back to bus operator Stagecoach.
There is good news for staff because facilities there will be upgraded, including the construction of new offices to replace temporary structures.
The new franchising programme will put politicians back in charge of the region’s bus network for the first time in decades, with £350m being pumped into providing better services.
South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard said: “This is a significant moment for South Yorkshire.
“Bringing every depot into public ownership well in advance of bus franchising means we’re putting real foundations in place for a network that is reliable, affordable and works for all of us.
“It’s exactly what taking back control of our public transport looks like.
“We’re creating one clearer, simpler and more connected transport system, and these depots will be right at the heart of making that happen,” he said.